Wastewater treatment systems, like septic tanks and sewage treatment plants, are vital for properties without a main sewer connection. This includes homes, farms, schools, hospitals, hotels, airports, industrial buildings, residential areas, and other businesses in Ireland.

To gain planning permission for new or existing developments, you must safely treat and dispose of your wastewater.

The cost of installing a septic tank or wastewater treatment system can differ greatly. For domestic setups, prices usually range from €5,000+VAT to €12,000+VAT. This depends on the tank size, treatment technology, and site conditions.

Commercial systems are often more complex. Their prices can vary widely due to factors like installation scale, required equipment, and any additional work needed.

New build projects are often simpler. They can be designed to fit the property from the start. In contrast, retrofitting systems in existing buildings can bring extra challenges. These may include dealing with limited space, site-specific issues, or upgrading old infrastructure.

In the end, the total cost reflects both the system’s technical needs and the site’s unique conditions.

Both systems handle the wastewater from your home or business, but they differ in key ways. A septic tank is simple and relies on basic technology. This works well for some locations. However, if ground conditions are poor or space is tight, you need a more advanced secondary wastewater treatment system.

Septic tanks provide "primary" wastewater treatment, while treatment systems offer "secondary" treatment. Secondary systems clean the wastewater to a higher standard. This means your percolation area can be smaller, which helps meet separation distances, EPA guidelines, and local council regulations.

The phrases “wastewater treatment plant” and “sewage treatment plant” are used interchangeably to describe the same type of systems.

Domestic on-site wastewater treatment systems, like septic tanks and treatment plants, work for up to 10PE. Anything above 10PE is seen as commercial. However, exceptions exist. Sometimes, a smaller system suits commercial projects based on specific site conditions.

The right septic tank or wastewater treatment system for your project depends on an EPA site suitability assessment. This assessment looks at soil type, percolation rates, and site conditions for domestic projects. For commercial projects, local authorities may require extra tests or approvals.

For domestic projects, the number of bedrooms in the house matters. For commercial projects, a more complex calculation is needed for hydraulic and organic loadings. For instance, a 3-bedroom house needs a 5PE wastewater treatment system.

An EPA site suitability assessment finds out what type of wastewater treatment system and percolation area a project needs. Domestic projects typically need less testing, but commercial ones may need extra tests to meet local county council rules. Septic tanks often work with traditional gravity trenches. These trenches need the most space for effective percolation and treatment.

On the other hand, wastewater treatment systems are more flexible. They can use gravity trenches, low-pressure pipe networks, or tertiary filters. Tertiary filters are the best option for wastewater treatment. They offer top-notch filtration and environmental protection while needing the least space. This makes them ideal for properties with limited room.

Our wastewater treatment systems are designed to be energy efficient and protect the environment. They are made from 100% recycled plastic. This helps reduce wastewater pollution and cuts down plastic waste. We also promote a circular economy. By choosing our systems, you make an eco-friendly choice that benefits the planet in many ways.

For most home projects, installing the on-site wastewater treatment system takes 1 to 3 days. This includes the percolation area. Bigger commercial projects are more complex, so installation takes longer.

In Ireland, septic tanks and wastewater treatment systems must meet EN12566 certification, the EPA Code of Practice 2021, S.R. 66:2015, and the Building Regulations Technical Guidance Document H. Your wastewater tank and percolation area must be installed as stated in your site assessment and planning application. This ensures compliance with your local county council's requirements.

For commercial projects, you may need a discharge licence. These installations usually involve engineers collaborating with the local authority during planning to ensure compliance with all relevant guidelines and regulations.